I have to admit, I’m not much into marketing at this point in my writing career. Mostly because I’m too busy trying to get books written. But Lindsay Buroker’s latest post on her first month’s earnings from her pen name project, made me stop and give this subject some further thought. Mostly because what I’m currently [not] doing might be costing me some big money.
To pull in a little over $3000 as an unknown author in her first month, I’d say is pretty awesome. Doggone phenomenal. Nine days after releasing my first 4 novels I have a mere 14 sales. Not even $35. I’m not complaining, mind you. I’m simply saying maybe I’m missing out on a bit more cash that I could be making if I did a few things differently.
One thing Lindsay mentions and maybe the most important thing, is her use of KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited. Certainly Amazon stacks the deck in favor of those who go exclusive with them. As an author I don’t like it. I cry, “Foul!” “Unfair!” Yet if I was Amazon, it is exactly what I’d do. It’s what traditional publishing has done for over a century. Lock in a stable of money-making authors and — make money!
Right now, authors can make money right along with Amazon. In the future, who knows?
The other thing that stuck out was advertising didn’t seem to do much. I haven’t planned on paying for advertising. From Lindsay’s experience, I don’t think doing so is worth the money at this point.
A great post by Ms Buroker. Informative.
For now, though, I think I’ll continue along with Hugh Howie’s approach and just write.
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